Pablo Neruda had three houses in Chile. This one, named La Chascona, is in the capital of Santiago, and it's a quirky little place. Originally built as a love shack, this was home to Neruda and his mistress and later wife, Matilde, whenever they were in the city. The rooms are varied and they're also quite small. You can definitely tell that the years have made height requirements for houses different. That being said, the house is full of eclectic trinkets. It's said that Matilde moved rooms in the house after Neruda died, never being able to sleep in the room that was once theirs. Sad. The tour for La Chascona is about an hour. They give you an audio tour with options in Spanish, English, or Portuguese. Note, though, that you can only take photos of the exterior of the house. read more

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Very nice tour , walk at your own pace and pre recorded cassette with details as you move from room to room. They did a good job preserving their furniture. They explain In 1953, Pablo Neruda started to build a house in Santiago, for Matilde Urrutia. He gave her nickname la chascona. No interior pics allowed. read more

Museo La Chascona - Exterior - Museums Near Me - Santiago, RM

One of the beauty of traveling for me is ability to connect. Be it connecting with people you never met before, but who will stay in your life forever. Places you only seen of paper that affect you deeply when you finally see them. Or, in this case, connecting something of a childhood memory. I leaned his poetry in school - but I never thought life will bring me here, to La Chascona in Santiago, Chile, of all places. ...I am talking about Pablo Neruda, of course... This house, his and Matilde, is an inspiration in every sense. His poetry at first, that brought me here for the visit. The museum, dedicated to his life - life that is so multifaceted that it spins around you like kaleidoscope glass, amazing at every angle. And finally, the architecture of house - it is fascinating. And there is a story behind this house... Beautiful & romantic.... La Chascona was build for Matilde, his love, at the base of San Cristobal in 1953. House layout spread around the hill, with several levels, courtyards, stairs and secret passages. Low ceilings in some areas, beautiful wood detailing, seating, steps, tables and most amazing artwork on the walls by several well-known artists. Catalan architect, German Rodriguez Arias, was hired to design the house, but plans changed so many times, he admitted this design is more of the Neruda's than his. This is pure poetry in building form. Truly genius in every detail. *Milestone Review #500, dedicated to beauty of poetry, love and architecture* read more

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I love Pablo Neruda, and was very excited to see one of his homes in Chile. Entrance was approximately $11 usd, and included a guided audio tour that ensured you made it through the house in the proper order with lots of added info. Cute gift shop with very reasonably priced merchandise at the end, and tours available in English and Spanish. No photography in the rooms, only outside. read more

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Neruda's home in the city, the "treehouse", is the one thing that I really wanted to see while I was in Santiago. I remember reading his poetry in high school and really coming to like a lot of his famous quotes, so it was cool to see (one of) his home(s) that was his inspiration. This home in particular, is an homage to his wife Matilde, for whom this home was very special. At first it seems really small, but there are many different parts to the house all with interesting stories. I'm not usually a fan of those audio recordings that they give you at museums, but the one that they give you here is a must. It takes around thirty minutes to listen to the whole recording as it guides you through the home. They have several languages available. Definitely worth the visit, even if you do not know a lot about Neruda (my bf had not heard of him but still enjoyed it). You'll learn a lot as you travel through the house and there are a lot of cool historical artifacts here. NOTE: If you come up from the stairs below, there are two locked doors that make it look like the house is closed. You need to climb up the stairs to get to the front entrace where you buy tickets. read more

Pablo Neruda, politician and poet, has three homes throughout Chile, but this one is most interesting because it was originally built for his mistress (later wife), Matilde Urrutia. The home was built to resemble a ship and includes multiple buildings and levels. Normally I balk at an audio tour, but this time the audioplayer was glued to my ear. Neruda was an incredible fascinating guy and he acquired some incredible furniture and decor within in home. Photos weren't allowed in the buildings on the tour which was a major bummer, but my favorite piece was absolutely the original Diego Rivera depicting the two sides of Matilde (the private one of her life with Neruda and the public one where she was known as a singer). There is also a silhouette of Neruda's face in hidden in the hair which she was famous for (and that the house, Chascona meaning 'messy hair', was named after). Neruda also had multiple bars within his home, including a "summer bar". Paul and I both agreed that all homes should require a summer bar. I didn't know much about Neruda prior to the visit, but his home was really interesting to see and the audio tour definitely touched on a lot of the political history of Chile. I'd definitely recommend it! It is also walking distance to the Cerro San Cristobal funicular! read more

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This is a quirky museum that should be part of any visit to Santiago. This destination had been recommended by fellow travelers prior to my arrival in Santiago. Given their recommendation, it had been a planned visit while in Santiago. In the morning, I had taken the Free Walking Tour offered and it coincidentally ended in this neighborhood, just a short walk from the entrance of La Chascona. So, it's incredibly easy to tack this on at the conclusion of the walking tour. Upon entering and paying for the entrance, you pick up an audio guide and a small map which points out the rooms in the house you will visit. The audio guide gives some great insights as to the appearance of the house, items included in the rooms, a bit of the political history involving Neruda, and the life Pablo led here with his love Matilde. The other love, the ocean, is prominently incorporated throughout the house. There were some very interesting pieces of art hanging on the walls (which you'll have to remember in your mind as photos are not allowed). This is a well done museum, and one in which you can take as little or as much time as you want. Of course, there is a gift shop at the end should you want to pick up any memorabilia. Definitely a worthwhile stop. Nearby is the funicular to Cerro Cristobal, so it's possible to connect a few attractions within a short walk. read more

Museo La Chascona - Signage for the museum. - Museums Near Me - Santiago, RM

Located in the bohemian and ever-popular barrio Bella Vista, Pablo Neruda's home la Chascona, built especially for his mistress, is one of the must-see's while in Santiago. It actually took me 4 years until I finally made it to his Santiago home (I have no idea why it took me this long!) Because, out of all of Neruda's 3 homes, La Chascona is by far one of my favorites. Chascona, meaning messy hair, which was named after his mistress, Matilde's, messy red hair, is absolutely beautiful with both a significant Chilean and international influence that lines every corner of his home. Despite having been partially destroyed by Pionchet's regime, many of Neruda's belongings in La Chascona were recovered and restored. This is also a very important location because it is where Neruda's funeral was held - many of the people who lived in Santiago at the time remember the streets of Bella Vista filled as they walked in the procession for Neruda up to La Chascona. One of the most memorable things within his vast collection of books and art is a painting made for him by his friend, Diego Rivera. He also has an amazing outside bar with art and photos of the famous international and national artists who passed through his bar. To find out more about the details within his house, they offer audio guided tours in several different languages such as English, French, Spanish, German and Portuguese. These audio tours allow you to set the pace of your visit in Neruda's metropolitan home. The entry to his home is fairly cheap at 5 mil per person and 1.500 for students (remember to bring your student ID). Tip: They are closed on Mondays There is a gift shop where you can buy postcards, prints and books of poetry - a perfect place to get a souvenir. Although you cant take pictures while inside, there are many patios and a beautiful garden where it is permitted. read more

Museo La Chascona - Ojo de Neruda - Museums Near Me - Santiago, RM

Great experience, unique architecture inspired by Neruda's love for the ocean and Mathilde, the house is built in a fashion that makes you feel you are on a ship.This experience will take you again into the wonderful world of poetry as well as for an hour or two you will feel like Neruda s close friend paying him a visit, being part of his intimate world. read more

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Amazing We had our tour guide from Viña del Mar drove us to Santiago and we check out the artsy side of Chile....simply amazing! read more

Museo La Chascona - At Pablo Neruda museum in Santiago, Chile, South America - Museums Near Me - Santiago, RM

This house designed by the Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda was dubbed the "Woman with the Tousled Hair" after Matilde Urrutia, the poet's third wife. The house is accessible by tour only; the tours allow you to step into the extraordinary mind of the poet whose eclectic designs earned him the label "organic architect." Winding garden paths, stairs, and bridges lead to the house and its library stuffed with books, a bedroom in a tower, and a secret passageway. The house is on a little side street leading off Constitución. It's advisable to book your visit ahead of time. Located in Fernando Márquez de la Plata 0192, Bellavista. Opening from Tuesday to Sunday 10 am - 6 pm. (Tours are available in Spanish, French, German and English). read more

The museum was near the zoo and Cerro San Cristóbal but was a great place to visit while in the area. Even if your not a poetry fan it provides some historic context to the not so distant political history of the country. I would recommend visiting if you have more than a day in the city. read more